Spatial Transparency in Architecture

<p>This volume explores the concept of "spatial transparency"; a form of spatial continuity that articulates depth through permeable, layered, or porous three-dimensional organizations where interstitial light is present. Although transparency is a concept largely associated with the modern movement, the use of glazed components, and twentieth-century architectural discourse, spatial transparency is a form of depth awareness through intermediate domains, takes place through the interstitial fabric of a structure, and occurs when several consecutive domains are spatially and visually connected. These immersive environments invite active participation, not as one-way communication but as a series of visual and experiential exchanges, interdependencies, and relationships.</p><p>Divided into four parts, the book examines spatial transparency in massive opaque constructions, light constructions, glass assemblies, and hybrid systems. It analyzes both the phenomenon of visual connectivity and continuity through intermediate spaces, and spatial transparency’s capacity for promoting and enabling graded, interflowing environmental transactions. Using historical and contemporary examples, it catalogs some of the most common and recurring configurations that manifest these characteristics. Over 20 international case studies from the Americas to Japan are presented to argue that environments exist in porous mediums and that by studying the openings, voids, light, and materials of layered and/or permeable organizations, important insights about space making can be revealed.</p><p>Written for students and academics, this book explores various expressions of spatial transparency in architecture and helps connect their abstract ideas with significant built works, analytical drawings, and comparison charts.</p> <p>Spatial Transparency in Architecture: Light, Layering, and Porosity Introduction Essays; <b>PART I Spatial Transparency in Massive Opaque Assemblies; 1.</b> Densely Pillared and/or Arcaded Spaces: Great Mosque of Cordoba / New Interpretations; <b>2.</b><i> </i>Carved-Out Volumes: Chillida Spaces / Zumthor’s Thermal Baths Vals; <b>3. </b>Pierced Layers: Soane’s House-Museum / Loos’ Villa Müller; <b>4.</b> Courtyards and Light Wells: Lingering Garden / Luigi Bocconi University; <b>5. </b>Layered<b> A</b>erial<b> S</b>tairs, Ramps, and Bridges: Centro Cultural Sao Paulo / Morphosis’ Perot Museum; <b>PART II Spatial Transparency in Skeletal and Lacy Assemblies; 6.</b> Layered Frameworks: Yoshijima House / Fujimoto’s House NA; <b>7.</b> Layered and/or Porous Screens: Oxford Museum / Kengo Kuma’s SunnyHills; <b>8. </b>Weblike Structures: Munich Olympic Park / Beijing National Stadium; <b>PART III</b> <b>Spatial Transparency in Glass Assemblies; </b><b>9. </b>Layered Glass Organizations: Cartier Foundation / Toledo Glass Museum<em>; </em><b>PART IV</b> <b>Spatial Transparency in Hybrid Systems; </b><b>10. </b>Hybrid Spatial Configurations: Rudolph’s Penthouse / Madrid Barajas Airport<strong>; </strong><i>Corollary:<strong> </strong>Investigations in "Spacescapes"; </i><i>Conclusion; Index</i></p>